Whirlpool Dishwasher FAE5 Error Code — What It Means
The FAE5 (or F10E5) code appears on Whirlpool and Maytag dishwashers when the cycle ends, the machine drains, and the control signals a fault. Whirlpool’s official response is to press the Cancel key twice and start a new cycle. The manufacturer documentation does not specify the underlying sensor or component that triggers this code.
Field reports most commonly link FAE5 to a flood or leak detector in the base pan, though this is not confirmed by Whirlpool in published materials. Other third-party sources mention water inlet restrictions, low supply pressure, or control communication faults. Because the exact cause is not manufacturer-verified, diagnosis should follow a logical path from the simplest reset through leak inspection and fill conditions.
Common Causes
- Transient control fault The code may appear once due to a temporary sensor or logic glitch and clear after a Cancel-twice reset.
- Water in the base pan (flood detection) Standing water in the base pan can activate a flood or leak switch, the most common field explanation for FAE5.
- Low water supply or restricted inlet Kinked inlet hose, closed supply valve, or low household pressure can prevent proper fill and trigger the fault.
- Drain hose siphoning or backflow Improperly routed drain hose or missing air gap can cause water to drain continuously or back-siphon into the tub.
- Loose or corroded wiring harness Poor connections at sensors, control board, or user interface can create intermittent faults that end the cycle early.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Press Cancel twice and start a new cycle as Whirlpool instructs. If the code does not return, the fault was transient and no further action is needed.
- Verify the code is repeatable by running a short cycle. If FAE5 appears again at the same point or immediately after start, proceed with diagnosis.
- Remove the lower access panel and check the base pan for standing water, moisture, or leak traces. If water is present, dry the pan thoroughly and inspect the tub, door seal, inlet valve, and all hoses for the leak source before running another cycle.
- Inspect the water supply by confirming the inlet valve is open, the hose is not kinked, and household pressure is adequate. Check that the inlet screen at the valve connection is not clogged with sediment.
- Check the drain hose routing to make sure it loops above the floor connection and is secured per the installation guide. Eliminate any kinks, verify the drain line is not blocked, and confirm the hose does not sag below the dishwasher base where siphoning can occur.
- Access the control and sensor wiring by removing the door panel or lower kick-plate. Inspect all harness connectors for corrosion, looseness, or moisture intrusion, paying attention to any sensor near the base or tub inlet.
- Enter service diagnostic mode per your model’s technical sheet to read stored fault history and test individual components. If the diagnostics isolate a specific sensor, valve, or board fault, replace only the confirmed failed part and clear the error log before testing.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Flood/leak sensor or switch | Amazon | If water in the base pan is confirmed and the sensor itself is damaged or stuck active. |
| Water inlet valve | Amazon | If diagnostics show fill failure, low flow, or the valve fails to close causing overfill. |
| Main control board | Amazon | If service mode reveals a board fault and all sensors, wiring, and mechanical parts test good. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified appliance technician if the Cancel-twice reset does not clear the code, if you find water in the base but cannot locate the leak source, or if you lack the tools or service documentation to run the built-in diagnostics. Technicians have model-specific wiring diagrams, fault-code tables, and component-level test procedures not available in consumer manuals. If the dishwasher is under warranty or part of a recall, contact Whirlpool directly before attempting repairs to preserve coverage.